Visitors have been going potty following the arrival of the latest business at Mercia Marina.
This month saw the launch – quite literally – of The Mug Tug, where customers can step onto a canal boat and create their own personalised ceramic ware.
The arrival of The Mug Tug follows the release of up to six commercial moorings at the 74-acre South Derbyshire marina, near Willington, alongside its new £1.7m Boardwalk shopping and leisure development.
It is the second Mug Tug business launched by owner Lesley Mason, having started her enterprise more than four years ago at Barton Marina, in Staffordshire.
Lesley said: “We’re thrilled to be here at Mercia Marina. Our opening fortunately coincided with the Easter holidays, which has given us a great start.
“We’ve been closely following the fabulous development of Mercia Marina for a number of years, and we wanted to be part of it. It’s such a lovely location.”
Lesley added that despite the success of The Mug Tug, there were no plans to launch a land-based business.
“This is our unique selling point,” she said. “People very rarely have the opportunity to go on a narrow boat, so that really adds to the experience.”
Customers, who range from the very young to the very old, can choose from around 300 different ceramic designs or shapes, including plates, piggy banks, ornaments, bowls and, of course, mugs.
Lesley still proudly holds onto the mug which inspired her business several years ago. She created her “Tea One Sugar” mug while visiting another pot-painting studio.
At the time, having recently completed a degree in complementary therapies at Derby University, she realised the creative process would be a perfect fit for her work with people with disabilities. Add a boat, and you have something really special.
“It was my lightbulb moment,” she said. “I simply expanded the idea to include everyone.”
Other new businesses to have moved into The Boardwalk development since it opened last autumn include Elegant Touch Beauty, Bluewater Clothing, The Boardwalk Bar & Dining, The Butcher Baker farm shop and growing pharmaceutical company Bionical. There are also furniture and gift stores, fashion accessories and children’s clothing and giftware.
Robert Neff, general manager of Mercia Marina, said: “The Mug Tug is a great business. It’s creative, inspiring and puts a smile on the face of everyone who visits there. It’s just the sort of high-quality enterprise we want to encourage.
“We’re delighted to have Lesley on board, and we wish her and The Mug Tug every success.”
